MORNING THOUGHTS

 

Daily Walking with God

 

 

 

Octavius Winslow

 

 

 

 

 

edited by Joel R. Beeke

 

 

 

 

"My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up."—Ps 5:3

 

 

 

 

 

 

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FOREWORD

 

With great pleasure, we offer this edited, large-type reprint of Octavius Winslow's morning devotions, titled Morning Thoughts. These thoughts were selected by Winslow himself from his writings. Unlike other daily devotionals, such as William Jay's, these daily portions elucidate only one or two thoughts from the day's text rather than provide a comprehensive view. The advantage of this approach is that the selections are deep, heart-warming, and inspirational—just what is needed to offer a Christ-centered beginning to each day.

As is true of all of Winslow's writings, this volume is a gem. Representing devotional writing at its finest, it is replete with memorable statements for spiritual edification. Use this book to treasure those sacred truths of Scripture that will mold your thoughts, words, and actions for Christian living.

Octavius Winslow (AD 1808-1878) descended from Edward Winslow, a Pilgrim leader who crossed the Atlantic on the Mayflower in AD 1620. Octavius's father, Thomas, an army captain stationed in London, died when Octavius was seven years old. Shortly after

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that, Octavius's godly mother took her family of ten children to New York. All of the children became Christians; three sons became evangelical ministers. Octavius later wrote a book about his family's experiences from his mother's perspective, in a book titled Life in Jesus: A Memoir of Mrs. Mary Winslow, Arranged from her Correspondence, Diary and Thoughts.

Winslow was ordained as a pastor in AD 1833 in New York. He later moved to England, where he became one of the most valued nonconformist ministers of the nineteenth century, largely due to the earnestness of his preaching and the excellence of his prolific writings. He held pastorates in Leamington Spa, Bath, and Brighton. He was also a popular speaker for special occasions, such as the opening of C. H. Spurgeon's Metropolitan Tabernacle in AD 1861.

Winslow wrote more than forty books, most of which went through several printings. His Reformed convictions were clearly indicated in titles such as Born Again, or, from Grace to Glory; Heaven Opened; The Fulness of Christ; Christ Ever with You; The Glory of the Redeemer in His Person and Work; The Man of God, or, Spiritual Religion Explained and Enforced; The Tree of Life; Emmanuel, or the Titles of Christ; Hidden Life; Midnight Harmonies; Divine Realities; No Condemnation in Christ Jesus; Grace and Truth; Human Sympathy; The Inquirer Directed to an

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Experimental and Practical View of the Atonement; The Inquirer Directed to an Experimental and Practical View of the Work of the Holy Spirit; Personal Declension and Revival of Religion in the Soul; The Silver Trumpet; Christ the Theme of the Missionary; and Glimpses of the Truth as it is in Jesus.

Winslow was not bound to any denomination, but he did cling to Puritan theology. In books such as Morning Thoughts , he promoted an experimental knowledge of the precious truths of God, such as our corrupt nature, Jesus Christ crucified, and a life of gratitude. After a short illness, Octavius Winslow died on Mar 5, 1878. He was buried in Abbey Cemetery, Bath.

Thanks to Kara Dedert, Kate Timmer, and Kristen Zevenbergen who provided invaluable assistance in proofing and typing the edited version. The large print is especially designed for our elderly readers, who many times have complained that daily devotionals are difficult for them to read. Next year, God willing, we hope to print Winslow's Evening Thoughts in large type.

The editing of this work involved minimal adjustments in spelling, grammar, and formatting.

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The largest challenge was shortening lengthy sentences and minimizing Winslow's generous use of double dashes. In no case has the content been compromised.

This daily devotional engages the heart as it transforms the will and sure-footedly guides us in the good fight of faith on the way to glory. May God grant us more of that conformity to His Son that Octavius Winslow so abundantly exemplified in his life and writings.

 

Joel R. Beeke

Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Nov, 2003

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AUTHOR'S PREFACE

 

In compliance with frequent requests from various quarters that the author would allow selections from some of his published works to appear in the form of Daily Readings, he ventures to offer to the Christian church the following pages. They have been gleaned with much care, and with a strict regard to variety, yet consecutiveness, of topic, presenting a spiritual, and occasionally critical exposition of each Scripture motto. In the large family of similar productions which have issued from the press, he trusts that his little volume—not quite a stranger to some who will peruse it—may find a humble place. Should it, with the Holy Spirit's blessing, occasionally drop a Christ-endearing, heart-soothing, soul-guiding word in seasons of daily toil, conflict, or trial, his utmost wish in its publication will be realized.

Robert Hall defined domestic prayer as "that border which keeps the web of daily life from unraveling." With equal appropriateness this beautiful remark will apply to morning religion. To begin the day with God is the great secret of walking

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through the day with God. What a privilege it is the moment that "slumber's chain" is broken and we wake to duty and toil, perchance to temptation and trial, to raise the soul to God and seek to fill it at this infinite fountain of life, love, and bliss, with such thoughts, feelings, and purposes as will exert a hallowing, soothing, and controlling influence upon the day! Before the secular commences, to begin with the spiritual. Before care insinuates, to preoccupy the mind with peace. Before temptation assails, to fortify the heart with prayer. Before sorrow beclouds, to radiate the soul with divine sunshine. What a precious privilege!

A morning without God is the precursor of a cloudy and dark day, full of cares. It is like a morning around whose eastern horizon thick vapors gather, veiling the ascending sun, and foreshadowing a day of storm. "The first thing I do when I awake in the morning," remarks an aged saint of God, "is to ask the Holy Spirit to take possession of my mind, my imagination, my heart, directing, sanctifying, and controlling my every thought, feeling, and word."[1] What profound spiritual wisdom is there in this conception! What a God-descending, heaven-returning spirit does it betray! How the well of water in the soul springeth up!

"In the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up." "Look up!" Ah! Here is the

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true and befitting attitude of the spiritual soul. Looking up for the day's supply of grace to restrain, of power to keep, of wisdom to guide, of patience to suffer, of meekness to endure, of strength to bear, of faith to overcome, of love to obey, and of hope to cheer. Jesus stands at the treasury of infinite grace, ready to meet every application and to supply every want. His fullness is for a poor, needy people. He loves us to bring the empty vessel. Oh, to have our "morning thoughts" occupied with God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and heaven! Truly this is the border which keeps the web of daily life from unraveling! Dear reader, let your first thought be of God, your first incense be to Jesus, and your first prayer be to the Holy Ghost, and thus anointed with fresh oil, you will glide serenely and safely through the day, beginning, continuing, and ending it with God.

 

 

Leamington , Dec, 1856.